Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$973$11,676 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Otero County, NM
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Otero County, NM
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $671 | $8,052 | $26,840 | $12.90/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $792 | $9,504 | $31,680 | $15.23/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $973 | $11,676 | $38,920 | $18.71/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,353 | $16,236 | $54,120 | $26.02/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,632 | $19,584 | $65,280 | $31.38/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Otero County, NM →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across New Mexico:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Otero County, NM
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Otero County, NM?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Otero County, NM is $973 per month ($11,676 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Otero County, NM?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $973/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $18.71 per hour ($38,920/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Otero County, NM?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Otero County, NM are: Studio: $671/mo, 1-Bedroom: $792/mo, 2-Bedroom: $973/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,353/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,632/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Otero County, NM?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $55,876/year ($4,656/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 20.9% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Otero County, NM?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $973/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($973 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $38,920 per year.